Speaker of the National Assembly and incumbent Member of Parliament for Uyole, Dr Tulia Ackson, today exercised her democratic right by casting her vote during Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM)’s internal party elections.
The primaries, held on August 4, 2025, at the St. Agrey polling station in Mbeya Region, aimed to nominate the party’s candidates for both the Uyole parliamentary seat and the Itezi Ward councillorship ahead of the October general election.
Dr Tulia, who is seeking re-election under the CCM banner, described the primaries as a vital element of democratic participation within the ruling party.
“I am here as both a voter and a candidate. It is important for every party member to take part in this process because it determines the leadership direction we offer to our people,” she said after casting her vote.
Her presence at the polling centre drew the attention of voters and party officials, underscoring the significance of Uyole as a strategic constituency.
With her track record as Speaker of the National Assembly and her previous roles as Deputy Speaker and legal scholar, Dr Tulia remains one of the most influential political figures in the southern highlands.
The CCM primaries across the country are being closely monitored, with several constituencies Uyole among them expected to field high-profile candidates.
The internal vote is part of CCM’s broader effort to consolidate support and prepare a strong lineup for the upcoming national polls.
Election officials at the centre reported a calm and orderly process, with turnout among party members steadily increasing throughout the day.CCM is expected to officially announce its final list of candidates in the coming days.